|
Maybe you missed it or if you didn't it bears repeating...
In Wednesday's Message, Rev. Claunch spoke about the unique honor and privileged it is to work with the youth in our LAC congregation to watch them push past their comfort zones and grow in ways right before her eyes. We want to echo that sentiment, celebrate and congratulate each of them for their commitment to faith, fellowship, and service.
Anna Grace shared with us that she began the trip asking each of them to think about "Where they saw God throughout the week." On the last day and down from the mountains this is what she heard...
“I saw God in the masons. They work so hard to provide safe homes and were so patient in teaching us... “I saw God in the faces of the many kids in La Guama...“I saw God in the beauty that surrounded us; from the mountains to the river...“I saw God in the Ramirez family...they were so grateful to have a home where they feel safe...”
There is no denying that the experience was life-changing for the adult volunteers (without whom this trip would not have been possible) and the youth as well.
Read what we heard from a few of them ...
Tristan Boyd (10th grade): Being in the village made me realize how happiness is not rooted in having flashy things and money. When building the house, we would have kids come back from school and play near where we were building, with the limited things they could do, you would never see them not smiling. From throwing rocks that the dogs would chase, to playing with toys that they made, they didn’t think about who had the better clothes or more money, they just had fun.
Griffin Moore (11th grade): I am a junior at Mamaroneck High School and a youth deacon here at the church. I got confirmed here at LAC 3 years ago, when I was in 8th grade, but it was not until this year that I decided to join the youth group and other congregation members on the yearly mission trip.
I had heard about the Bridges to Community trip to the Dominican Republic from those who had gone in years past and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to serve others and experience a new way of life. This trip did exactly that, and so much more, providing me with the opportunity to get my hands dirty, do some manual labor, and return home with a new found gratitude and appreciation for the many things that I take for granted.
I know that my peers on the trip, whom I am thankful to get to know better, feel the same way and that this trip has affected them for the better as well. This trip also helped me to grow stronger in my faith, as places like La Guama provided reminders of the many things I take for granted in my life, and it was powerful to see how strong the community members were in their faith, always thanking God and blessing others. The people’s gratitude and the children’s joy were reminders of God's work and I am very thankful for the opportunity to help this community and make an impact in these people’s lives.
Thank you to everyone in the congregation for their support, generosity, and prayers. This trip would not have been possible without you.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rev. Claunch. Anna Grace's commitment, faith, and grace helped to make this trip possible. Her tireless effort, care, kindness, and patience helped to make this trip a success.
| 
